Multipurpose tote bag

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose tote bag includes a detachable ground cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between the upper and the lower ends, and an attaching means positioned along the upper end. The tote bag also includes a tote member having a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from the base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from the base portion and disposed between the front portion and the back portion. Either one of the front portion or the back portion includes at least one outside pocket member. The tote bag still also includes an attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of the front portion or the back portion that is complementary to the ground cover attaching means, for securing the ground cover to the tote member. The tote bag further includes a carrying means secured to said tote member, and a side separating means integral with the side end of the tote member for separating the side portion in half in order to open up the tote member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a tote bag and, more specifically, to a multipurpose tote bag for carrying and storing items.

2. Description of the Related Art

Engaging in a recreational activity, such as going to the beach, or a sporting event, or a picnic, typically includes a substantial amount of paraphernalia. For example, these activities typically require items such as a ground cover, sunscreen, food or music or the like. At the same time, access to the recreational activity may be limited to foot traffic, requiring that the associated paraphernalia be carried a distance.

Various types of containers are generally available for carrying items associated with a particular recreational activity, such as tote bags, or coolers. It is also known to have a container for a combination of items, such as a combined beach mat and tote bag. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,219 to Lopes discloses a combination beach mat and tote bag made of a sheet of fabric that folds in half and is secured by side zippers to form the tote bag. While this tote bag works for carrying items, a disadvantage is that you have to remove all the items you bring with you to use the tote portion as a ground cover.

It is also known in the art to provide a protective cloth with an anchoring means to keep the cloth from being displaced, i.e. the wind blowing a beach blanket. An example of such a device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,876 to Graves; U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,056 to DiFronzo; U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,430 to Nicoll or U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,964 to Wilson. While these devices work in securing the cloth to the ground, they do not provide additional features. Thus there is a need in the art for a multifunctional tote bag that includes a detachable ground cloth that stays in place, a variety of outer compartments for holding associated recreational items, and is easy to transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is a multifunctional tote bag. The multifunctional tote bag includes a detachable ground cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between the upper and the lower ends, and an attaching means positioned along the upper end. The tote bag also includes a tote member having a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from the base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from the base portion and disposed between the front portion and the back portion. Either one of the front portion or the back portion includes at least one outside pocket member. The tote bag still also includes an attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of the front portion or the back portion that is complementary to the ground cover attaching means, for securing the ground cover to the tote member. The tote bag further includes a carrying means secured to the tote member, and a side separating means integral with the side end of the tote member for dividing the side end in half, in order to open up the tote member.

One advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided that includes a ground cloth, outer storage compartments and an adjustable carrying strap for efficiently transporting and storing items. Another advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided with a ground cloth that is detachable from the storage compartment portion. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided that can serve as a cushion. A further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided that can be utilized in conjunction with a chair. Still a further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided having separate compartments for storing various types of items. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided having a ground cover with a weighting means for holding the ground cover in place.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front side of a multifunctional tote bag, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a back side of a multifunctional tote bag, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another view of the back side of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1 opened, with the towel attached, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tote member portion of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the multifunctional tote bag similar to FIG. 4, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the towel for the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, a multifunctional tote bag 10 is illustrated. It is contemplated that the multifunctional tote bag 10 includes a plurality of features that enhance its use under a variety of circumstances. In this example, the multifunctional tote bag 10 is described in conjunction with a trip to a water activity, such as the beach or the pool. Other recreational uses are also contemplated, such as a sporting event, or a picnic, or a tailgate party or the like.

The multifunctional tote bag 10 includes a detachable ground cover portion 12. In this example, the ground cover 12 is a generally rectangular member, and includes an upper end 12 a, a lower end 12 b and two sides edges 12 c disposed between the upper and lower ends. The ground cover 12 is preferably made from a flexible fabric material. Terrycloth is an example of a material commonly used, since it is absorbent. Alternatively, the ground cover 12 may include multiple layers of fabric material joined together, such as an absorbent upper layer 12 d, and a non-absorbent lower layer 12 e. The lower layer may be a material such as nylon or the like that is weatherproof or weather resistant, or is chemically treated to have these characteristics, against moisture or wind. The upper layer is a material such as terrycloth.

The ground cover 12 also includes an attaching means 14 positioned along an end, for a purpose to be described. In this example, the ground cover attaching means 14 is positioned along both the upper end 12 a and the lower end 12 b of the ground cover 12. One type of attaching means 14 is a hook-and-loop fastener tape, such as that sold under the name Velcro.

The multipurpose tote bag 10 also includes a tote member 16 that is detachable from the ground cover portion 12. The tote member 16 is generally rectangular, and extends approximately the corresponding width of the ground cover 12. The tote member 16 includes a base portion 18 that is generally rectangular. The tote member 10 also includes two side portions 20 extending upwardly from each short edge of the base portion. The tote member includes a front portion 20 and a back portion 24 extending upwardly from each long edge of the base portion. It should be appreciated that an indicia 26, such as a logo is the like, may be positioned on either one of the front portion 22 or back portion 24 or side portions 20.

Each side portion 20 includes a separating means 28 for dividing each of the side portions 20 in half. One example of a separating means 28 is a zipper. Advantageously, each side portion 20 of the tote member 16 can be unzipped fully to open up the tote member 16, as shown in FIG. 10. In this way, the tote member 16 can be laid flat, or can provide access to an item contained within the tote member 16.

The upper edges 22 a, 24 a of the front portion 22 and the back portion 24 may include an attaching means 30 extending therealong, such as the previously described hook-and-loop tape. The upper edges of the tote member 22 a, 24 a can be sealed together using the attaching means 30. In addition, the tote member attaching means 30 is complementary to that of the ground cover attaching means 14, for securing the ground cover 12 to the tote member 16, in a manner to be described.

Preferably, the tote member 16 is also made from a flexible fabric material, such as the nylon material described with respect to the lower layer of the ground cover 12.

Either one of the front portion 22 or the back portion 24 of the tote member 16 may include various features. One example of a feature is an integrally formed padded portion 32. In this example, the padded portion 32 is generally rectangular, and provides an integral headrest or seat cushion for the user of the multipurpose tote bag 10. The padded portion 32 includes an outer layer of material enclosing an inner cushioning layer. Preferably, the inner cushioning layer is a resilient material, such as foam.

A back portion 24 of the tote member 16 includes at least one pocket member 34 integrally formed on an outer surface of the back portion 24. Similarly, the back portion 24 may include a pocket member 34 integrally formed on an inner surface of the back portion. It should be appreciated that the front portion 22 of the tote member 16 may also include a similar pocket member 34 integrally formed on either the inside or the outside of the front portion 32.

In this example, the tote member 16 includes a plurality of pocket members 34. The pocket members 34 may be configured to hold different types of items. One example of a pocket member 34 is a pocket made of an elastic, open-weave material, such as a mesh material, as shown at 36. Another example of a pocket member 34 is an insulated pocket member that includes an insulating container means, as shown at 38. The insulated container means includes a layer of insulating material. This type of pocket member 34 is useful in maintaining any item contained therein at a preferred temperature, such as hot or cold. Still another example of a pocket member 34 is a pocket member that is made from a waterproof material, for protecting the contents of the pocket from moisture, as shown at 40. The pocket members 34 are advantageously customizable for a wide range of contemplated uses associated with such a multipurpose tote bag 10. It should be appreciated that the pocket member opening is conveniently positioned, such as at an upper end of the pocket, or a lower end, or at both the upper end lower end, or along a side edge. In addition, the pocket member may include at least one closing means 42 for securing the pocket member 34 shut, such as a zipper, a hook-and-loop attachment, a snap fastener, a button and buttonhole or the like.

The multipurpose tote bag 10 also includes a carrying means 44 for transporting the tote bag 10. Preferably the carrying means 44 is a handle formed from a piece of narrow material, such as nylon, securely attached to the tote member 16, such as by sewing. In this example, there are two handles, each secured to an upper end 22 a, 24 a of each of the front portion 22 and the back portion 24. Alternatively, the carrying means 44 is a single strap that is adjustable in length.

It should be appreciated that a central storage compartment is formed between the front portion 22, back portion 24, side portions 20 and base portion 18 of the tote member 16, as shown at 46. Several uses for the central storage compartment 46 are contemplated. For example, the central storage compartment 46 can be used to store the ground cover 12 when not is use.

The multipurpose tote bag 10 may also include a side width adjusting means 50 for adjusting the width of the side portions 20. For example, the side width adjusting means 50 may be a hook-and-loop fastener tape, such as Velcro.

Another advantage of the present invention is a detachable weight member 52 which can be positioned along the lower end of the ground cover 12, to securely hold the ground cover 12 in place when in use. The detachable weight member 52 is a tubular member filled with a material, such as water or sand or the like. An outer surface of the detachable weight member 52 also includes an attaching means 54 corresponding to the ground cover attaching means 14. The addition of the weight member 52 to the ground cover 12 assists in maintaining the ground cover 12 in a desired location. Likewise, a weight member 52 may be secured to the attaching means 14 on the upper end of the ground cover 12 to also hold the ground cover 12 in the desired location. Alternatively, the tote member 16 is attached to the attaching means 14 at the upper end of the ground cover 12 using the attaching means to also retain the ground cover 12 in the desired position.

It should be appreciated that the multipurpose tote bag 10 may include other features, such as a key loop (not shown), or an integrally formed cup holder (not shown), or the like, which enhances the flexibility of the multifunctional tote bag 10 under a variety of circumstances.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the multifunctional tote bag 110 has an additional use as a cover for a chair 148. It should be appreciated that like features have like reference numbers increased by 100. Advantageously, in this embodiment the items which accompany the user are easily accessible to the user. In this embodiment, the central storage compartment 146 of the tote bag 110 is positioned over the upper end of a chair 148, such as a lounge chair, as shown at 170. In this way, the multipurpose tote bag 110 is utilized both to transport and store items, and to provide a covering for the chair 148. The fit of the tote bag 110 over the chair 148 is adjustable using the side width adjusting means 150. The ground cover 112 is attached to the tote member 116, and the weight member is attached to the bottom of the ground cover 112 to hold the ground cover in place. Alternatively, the padded portion of the tote member 116 can be used as a headrest.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. 

1. A multipurpose tote bag comprising: a detachable ground cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between said upper and said lower ends, and a ground cover attaching means positioned along said upper end; a tote member including a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from said base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from said base portion and disposed between said front portion and said back portion, wherein either one of said front portion or said back portion includes at least one outside pocket member; a tote member attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of said front portion or said back portion that is complementary to said ground cover attaching means, for securing said ground cover to said tote member; a carrying means attached to said tote member; and a side separating means integral with said side end of said tote member for separating said side portion in half in order to open said tote member.
 2. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground cover is generally rectangular and is made from a flexible fabric material.
 3. The multipurpose tote member of claim 2 wherein said ground cover is made from at least two layers of material joined together.
 4. The multipurpose tote member of claim 3 wherein at least one layer of material is weatherproof.
 5. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a hook-and-loop type fastener.
 6. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said front portion of said tote member includes a padded portion that is filled with a resilient material.
 7. The multipurpose tote member of claim 6 wherein said padded portion includes an indicia.
 8. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket member is an insulating container means.
 9. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket member is made from an open-weave material.
 10. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket member includes at least one closing means for keeping said pocket member closed.
 11. The multipurpose tote member of claim 10 wherein said pocket member closing means is a zipper.
 12. The multipurpose tote member of claim 10 wherein said pocket member closing means is a hook-and-loop fastener.
 13. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground cover includes an attaching means positioned along a lower end.
 14. The multipurpose tote member of claim 13 further comprising a removable weight means secured to said ground cover attaching means, wherein said weight means is a tube filled with a weighting material.
 15. The multipurpose tote member of claim 14 wherein said removable weight means is a tube having an attaching means on an outside surface of said tube corresponding to said ground cover attaching means.
 16. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said side separating means is a zipper.
 17. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 further comprising a side width adjusting means integral with said side portion of said tote member.
 18. The multipurpose tote member of claim 17 wherein said side width adjusting means is a tab of hook-and-loop fastener material.
 19. A multipurpose tote bag for transporting items comprising: a detachable ground cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between said upper and said lower ends, and a ground cover attaching means positioned along said upper end and said lower end, wherein said ground cover is generally rectangular and is made from a flexible fabric material; a removable weight means secured to said ground cover attaching means at said lower end of said ground cover, wherein said weight is a tube filled with a weighting material; a tote member including a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from said base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from said base portion and disposed between said front portion and said back portion, wherein either one of said front portion or said back portion includes at least one outside pocket member, and either one of said front portion or said back portion includes a padded portion that is filled with a resilient material; a tote member attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of said front portion or said back portion that is complementary to said ground cover attaching means, for securing said ground cover to said tote member; a carrying means attached to said tote member; a side separating means integral with said side portion of said tote member for separating said side portion in half in order to open said tote member; and a side width adjusting means integral with a side portion of said tote member for adjusting the width of said side portion.
 20. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said ground cover is made from at least two layers of material joined together.
 21. The multipurpose tote member of claim 20 wherein at least one layer of material is weatherproof.
 22. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said ground cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a hook-and-loop type fastener.
 23. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said padded portion includes an indicia.
 24. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said pocket member is an insulating container means.
 25. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said pocket member is made from an elastic, open-weave material.
 26. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19, wherein said pocket member includes at least one closing means for keeping said pocket member closed.
 27. The multipurpose tote member of claim 26 wherein said pocket member closing means is a zipper.
 28. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side separating means is a hook-and-loop fastener.
 29. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side separating means is a zipper.
 30. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side width adjusting means is a tab of hook-and-loop fastener material.
 31. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said carrying means is a handle having an adjustable length.
 32. A multipurpose tote bag used in transporting items and as a chair cover comprising: a detachable chair cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between said upper and said lower ends, and a ground cover attaching means positioned along said upper end, wherein said chair cover is generally rectangular and is made from a flexible fabric material; a tote member including a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from said base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from said base portion and disposed between said front portion and said back portion to form a central chamber, wherein said front portion includes a padded portion that is filled with a resilient material and said back portion includes a plurality of outside pocket members; a tote member attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of said front portion or said back portion that is complementary to said ground cover attaching means, for securing said ground cover to said tote member; a carrying means secured to said tote member; a side separating means integral with said side portion of said tote member for dividing said side portions in half, in order to open said tote member; and a side width adjusting means integral with a side edge of said tote member for adjusting the width of said tote member side portion when said tote member central portion is positioned over an upper end of a chair.
 33. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said ground cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a hook-and-loop type fastener.
 34. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said pocket member is an insulating container means.
 35. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said pocket member is a pocket member made of an elastic, open-weave material. 